Govt has no plan for privatisation of Railways: Ashwini Vaishnaw

• 'I wish to clearly state that the railways is a big complex organisation… there's no policy to privatise the railways'
• 'What is on the mind (of the government) is to strive to do what is better for the railways and take it forward'

New Delhi: Union Minister for Railways Ashwini Vaishnaw said on Saturday that the government has no plan for privatisation of the Railways. However, he stressed on the need for the Railways to adopt latest technology to meet the aspirations of the passengers, especially with a view to enhance safety and comfort. Inaugurating the 20th all-India conference of the Bharatiya Railway Mazdoor Sangh (BRMS) at Rail Mandapam, Perambur, from Delhi, the minister said that the indigenous technology, like the contribution of Integral Coach Factory (ICF) to Vande Bharat Express, should take the sector forward.

Vande Bharat Express was manufactured by ICF Perambur under the Make in India initiative.

No plan for privatisation of Railways: Ashwinin Vaishnaw

"The opposition parties are repeatedly alleging a move to privatise the railways. I wish to clearly state that the railways is a big complex organisation… there's no policy to privatise the railways. No such plans, whatsoever," the minister said. "What is on the mind (of the government) is to strive to do what is better for the railways and take it forward," he added.

"There's no affinity for the privatisation of railways but technology should be imbued," Vaishnaw said and added that Prime Minister Narendra Modi has already said that the government has no intention to privatise the railways.

Railways need to bring in new technology: Minister

Vaishnaw said there is an imperative need to bring in technology to meet the goal of Aatmanirbhar Bharat in order to make progress. "This should meet the aspirations of the nation, the youth, emerging middle class and also 8 crore passengers. The contribution should be like ICF's role in designing and making Vande Bharat express," said the minister.

Attacking the previous UPA regime for failing to fill in Railway vacancies on time, the minister said that the Narendra Modi-led government filled up 3.5 lakh posts in the Railways and initiated steps to recruit people for 1.40 lakh posts. "I am reviewing the recruiting process once in 15 days to make sure that it doesn't get stuck anywhere," Vaishnaw said.

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